Garbage – what goes in the bin

Garbage 

View full size image of A plastic retail bag, a green plastic shipping "air pillow," a plastic lined padded mailing envelope, Styrofoam, extension cord, light bulb, plastic lids and screw on caps.

Allowed garbage items

• Plastic bags
• Plastic "air pillows," plastic-lined padded mailing envelopes, and Styrofoam.
• Plastic lids and loose screwcaps.
• Garden hoses, extension cords, snow tire chains and holiday lights
• Light bulbs (incandescent and LED bulbs, but not CFLs.)

View full size image of Photos of a plastic tortilla chip bag, a clear plastic take-out food container, a white take-out food container, a brown paper take-out food container, a clear plastic drink cup with green "compostable" label, a paper drink cup with plastic lid and straw, plastic utensils, a plastic lined paper coffee bean bag, an ice-cream container, and a frozen food box with plastic tray inside.

• Coffee cups and lids.
• Take-out food containers and wrappers, and paper plates.
• Drink cups and straws, utensils (paper, plastic and “compostable” items).
• Frozen food packaging and microwave meal boxes and trays.
• Facial tissue and paper towels.
• Painted or stained wood and plywood.

Must be bagged

View full size image of A tightly tied black garbage bag is shown next to photos of diapers, a bag of dog poop, a bag of cat litter, styrofoam packing peanuts, a plastic disposable glove, a broken ceramic plate, and two clear bottles of grease sealed with caps.

• Diapers, dog poop, cat litter, feminine hygiene products
• Shredded paper
• Ashes, sawdust, and packaging peanuts
• Broken ceramics, glass, etc.
• Cooking oil, kitchen fats and grease must be sealed in a plastic bag or other container before placing in the garbage.

What's not allowed

View full size image of A red X next to photos of batteries, a CFL lightbulb, a laptop, and a container of motor oil.

• Batteries. (Learn how to recycle batteries safely.)
• Computers, monitors, TVs. Look up drop-off locations or call 503-234-3000.
• Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs), hazardous waste, and chemicals. Look up drop-off locations or call 503-234-3000.

Large or bulky items

Homeowners: Your garbage and recycling company offers curbside pickup service for large items. See the bulky waste rates set by the City. Then contact your garbage company for a cost estimate and to schedule a pickup date. Do not set items on the curb until the pickup day.

Renters and businesses: Talk to your landlord or property manager if you need to set out large items or extra garbage.

Drop-off and donation options: Some items can be dropped off for free, like mattresses and electronics. Or consider donating or giving away items in good condition.

Find donation and drop-off options

Not sure if something is garbage?

Look it up or call 503-234-3000: They’ll tell you if it goes in garbage, recycling, or compost, or where to drop it off for donation or proper disposal.

Or view more items at RecycleOrNot.org or @recycleornot on Instagram. (Visite ReciclarONo.org o @reciclarono en Instagram.)

Printable guides

Home recycling guide

Apartment building recycling guide

Business recycling guide